Completed Event: Track and Field at Battle on the Bayou on April 3, 2026 ,
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Track and Field
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University of Oklahoma Athletics
OU T&F Announces Hinch as Combined Events/Pole Vault Coach
August 24, 2026 | Track and Field
NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head track & field coach James Thomas announced the hiring of Derick Hinch as an assistant coach for combined events and pole vault on Monday.
"Coach Hinch brings elite-level experience, competitiveness and mindset that fits exactly where we are taking this program," said Thomas. "Our team thrives around people who expect excellence, and Derick has lived that standard throughout his career. The combined events and pole vault are critical pieces of our championship pursuit, and I couldn't be more excited to have him leading those groups. More importantly, we are adding someone who will impact our Sooners far beyond coaching. He will help develop people, strengthen our culture and continue pushing Oklahoma Track & Field toward the level we know this program can reach."
Hinch joins the Sooners after spending the past season at Grand Canyon, where he served as associate head coach for the 2025-26 season. In his time at Grand Canyon University, Hinch guided five NCAA West First Round qualifiers and one NCAA Championship qualifier while coaching three Mountain West Conference champions in the women's pole vault (Eva Lowder & Tatum Moku) and women's triple jump (Taryn Burkett). His athletes established three school records, produced 24 all-time top-10 performances, and set four freshman records while helping elevate the Lopes' jumps and combined events programs to new heights.
"My family and I are incredibly grateful and excited to join the Oklahoma family," said Hinch. "I would like to sincerely thank Coach James Thomas and the University of Oklahoma for this opportunity. OU has such a rich tradition of excellence, and I'm honored to be part of a program with such a strong commitment to developing student-athletes and competing at the highest level. I can't wait to get to work with our student-athletes and coaching staff, build meaningful relationships, and help contribute to the continued success of Oklahoma Track & Field. Boomer Sooner!"
Prior to GCU, Hinch spent three seasons as Associate Head Coach at Washington State University. During his tenure, Cougar athletes produced 10 NCAA First Round qualifiers Four NCAA Finals qualifiers, four school records, and 20 all-time top-10 performances. His athletes included an NCAA qualifier in the women's pole vault who broke the freshmen record indoors & outdoors at 4.38m/4.26m (Eva Lowder, 2024). School record and NCAA qualifier of 4.46m and 4.50m (Tatum Moku, 2025). Hinch also coached a First Team All-American decathlete who scored 7,816 points (Lee Walburn) and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He also coached Mason Mahacek to a school record and All-American award in the men's heptathlon.
Before Washington State, Hinch served as an assistant coach at Cornell University, where he earned 2022 USTFCCCA Northeast Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year honors. During his three seasons in Ithaca, Cornell athletes produced 52 all-time top-10 performances, six school records, six NCAA Division I All-Americans, and nine Ivy League champions. He also coached the USTFCCCA Northeast Region Field Athlete of the Year during both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Hinch began his collegiate coaching career at Western Colorado University and Minnesota State University-Mankato, where he helped coach multiple NCAA Division II All-Americans, a national champion in the women's high jump, and conference championship teams.
Across his collegiate coaching career, Hinch has coached more than 30 NCAA First Round qualifiers, 14 NCAA All-Americans between the Division I and Division II levels, numerous conference champions, and athletes who have established school records at multiple institutions. His athletes have qualified for NCAA Championships, U.S. Olympic Trials, and have consistently ranked among the nation's best in the jumps, pole vault, and combined events.
A former pole vaulter, Hinch was a two-time NCAA Division I All-American and team captain at Arizona State University, where he remains one of the top performers in program history with a personal best of 5.50m (18'0.5").
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